'He's threatening to call the cops': Neighbor lets his 13-year-old senior cat with arthritis freeze outside because he's an "outdoor cat", a kind man rescues the cat, now the neighbor is demanding his property back

8 hours ago 1
  • 01

    "[Am I wrong] for stealing my neighbours cat after I found it freezing outside?"

    "[My neighbour] demanded I return his property. I refused and told him I'd keep the cat"

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  • 02

    I live in apartment complex where my neighbour has a senior cat. For months I've noticed this poor cat locked outside in all weather, rain, heat and now below freezing temps. Ive knocked on his door to ask if the cats okay and he always say 'hes an outdoor cat so he's fine'.

  • 03

    Last week, a blizzard hit and I found him shivering under a car barely moving. Brough him inside, warmed him up and took him to the vet (he had mild hypothermia). The vet said he's 13 years old and has arthritis.

  • 04

    I texted my neighbour and he demanded I return his property. I refused and told him I'd keep the cat unless he proved he could care for it. He's threatening to call the cops AITA for essentially cat napping lol.

  • 05

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  • 06

    nuggets256 NTA in my opinion but tbh I wouldn't have texted the neighbor unless the cat was chipped

  • 07

    windexfresh This, OP. If the cat isn't already chipped though, I'd probably find a friend or relative to hold onto the cat until/when he calls the cops. Let them search your place and when they don't find any trace of it, shrug. Once they leave, go get the cat back and never let it outside again

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  • You did not steal the cat, let us make that clear. You rescued it. There is no way to know whether this poor senior cat would have even made it through this night had you not brought him inside. Do not get upset with yourself at any point here, no matter what happens next. 

  • 09

    IvoryEnigma NTA, you're a hero. a 13-year-old arthritic cat left outside in a blizzard? that's not an "outdoor cat," that's neglect full stop. you didn't steal sh, you rescued him from an owner who clearly gives zero f. the vet's diagnosis just proves it. cops won't do jack, but if they show up, hit 'em with the hypothermia receipts and demand they charge him for animal cruelty.

  • 10

    starmadeshadows NTA. If he calls the cops on you, you get to report him for animal cruelty.

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  • 12

    Mmm_hummus To avoid legal troubles you'll probably need to turn him over to the vets/whatever authority deal with this in your area. Morally NTA, but that won't save you legally.

  • 13

    Weet_1 Nta, but my dude, you really need to learn when to keep your mouth shut. The neighbor already left the poor cat out in a blizzard, why would you tell him you're essentially stealing his cat?.

  • Everyone's mad at this person for telling the neighbor that they found the cat and are keeping it, but in reality… we're talking about a nice person here, and as a nice person, you would tell your neighbor that you have their cat. And they didn't even say that they wouldn't give the cat back. The just wanted the cat better taken care of. Sigh… we'd like an update to this one, please. 

  • 14

    HoneyedLipsXo NTA. You didn't catnap, you cat rescued. Good on you. Pet ownership is a responsibility, not a right.

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  • 16

    Adept Jaguar8613 You're an utter fool for contacting your neighbor. Why on earth would you even do that? I guess you cared more about a quick hit of righteous outrage than about making sure that animal stayed safe. Hope it was worth it

  • 17

    redheadAF NTA. You didn't steal a cat. You rescued a neglected, senior animal from a life-threatening situation. You showed more compassion and responsibility than its legal owner. Stand your ground — and give that kitty a warm, safe home.

  • 18

    Socks TheCats Now, it's time to hide the cat.

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